TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) reminds residents and visitors to practice fire and cold weather safety through this weekend, as the first widespread freeze of the season is expected Friday night into Saturday morning. Temperatures may fall below 30 degrees in some inland North Florida locations. A high risk of rip currents is also present along the Gulf Coast in the panhandle and from Pinellas through Collier counties. Beachgoers should heed instructions from officials and pay attention to all warning flags when on the beach.

“A cold front that pushed through North Florida Thursday brought the coldest air of the season behind it,” said FDEM Deputy State Meteorologist Michelle Palmer. “Wind chills may be near 20 degrees and all Floridians should practice proper fire and cold weather safety, as temperatures will be cooler than we have experienced yet this season.”

All Floridians should use proper precautions when using indoor heating sources to reduce the risk of fire, and remain aware of local weather forecasts to ensure a safe and happy holiday weekend. Be sure to check your local weather and heed all instructions from local officials regarding cold weather, fire and rip current safety.

Freeze warnings are in place for most of north and central Florida through Saturday morning, and wind chill advisories are in effect for most of east central and southeast Florida. Freeze watches extend into Sunday morning for north Florida. A red flag warning indicating a high risk of wildfires is in place for all of the state.